Morning all.
David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale have more than just playing for Arsenal in common as both are vying for the number one spot for their respective countries. Ramsdale sits behind Jordan Pickford, Raya, Unai Simon. Others are in the mix too, like Kepa for Spain but ultimately, dislodging the keeper who regularly starts is the aim. The problem for Ramsdale now is that he seems to have to dislodge Raya at Arsenal too before Gareth Southgate will give him an opportunity, especially after Sam Johnstone started the last game for England.
The David Raya v Aaron Ramsdale debate is likely to continue for a while yet, a bit like the Leno v Martinez one did and probably still does somewhere. If Raya plays like he did during the first half against Man City, one would think it won’t be long before Ramsdale returns to the first team but, it’s the way Mikel Arteta wants him to play. It’s risk v’s reward.
Talking to The Athletic, Raya said:
It’s something I have internalised, but it’s also the coach’s orders. What he doesn’t want is for us to start hitting balls — we have to invite a player (opponent to press) to come out a little bit. I’m the free man, and once a striker or someone jumps me, that leaves a free man on the pitch, and we have to look for superiority. That’s the way the coach tells me to play.
The fans aren’t used to us goalkeepers having the ball for a long time and if they (the opponents) don’t press, you have to wait for the moment to pass the ball. It’s a risk that we take, but I take the responsibility that if, one day, there’s a mistake I’ll raise my hand. There’s no way around it.
Playing out from the back is fine when it works but when it doesn’t, like a few occasions against Man City, it really does cause heart in mouth moments for fans. At least it does for this one. Mikel Arteta changed tactics at half-time, no doubt as a result of the problems playing out from the back was causing.
If City is not the best in the world, they are one of the best teams, especially in pressing and in transitions. So we had to play a bit more direct, so to speak. In the first half, we tried to play a bit more from the back with some scares. In the second half, we changed the way we played, to lure them a bit more but with the possibility we had, to look for the back of their defence. With direct balls, we hurt them a lot.
I don’t recall Raya having any real scary moments in the second half, certainly nothing like the first but it was it the tactical change or the introduction of Gabriel Martinelli which gave us the edge? The latter I think, not just because he scored the goal but because of his pace and directness. In my opinion, he, along with Reiss Nelson, bring that to our game. I digress…
David Raya was asked about his future, probably because he’s only on loan at Arsenal right now. Will he stay beyond this season?
Yes, I would have done it (sealed the deal) yesterday. (if I could)
His move could be made permanent next summer as according to most football outlets, a £27m option to buy was included in the deal but could this mean Aaron Ramsdale moves on? Honestly, I don’t think so. As Raya said in his interview, Mikel Arteta wants two top players in each and every position so unless Ramsdale himself pushes hard for a move, what would Arsenal gain from selling Ramsdale other than money. Unless Arteta sees Karl Hein as the ideal number 2, some of that money will have to be reinvested in another goalkeeper.
What about Raya’s relationship with Ramsdale?
The relationship? It’s very good. At the end of the day, we are mates, which is the important thing. We have a very healthy relationship. There are no problems. We push each other every day in training: when he’s a little bit down, I push him, and when I’m a little bit down (he does the same). We train three goalkeepers, four at the most, for hours a week, and you need that kind of relationship because otherwise, the training is not going to go well.
Perhaps too much fuss is made over a goalkeeping situation when two are challenging each other because it’s no different to any other position in the team. Every one of the squad wants to be starting a game but that can’t happen. It doesn’t mean those who miss out aren’t as important or in certain cases, not as good. Football is a team sport, a squad sport and even though Raya is starting games right now, that could change in a flash. Ramsdale of all people know that…
Catch up in the comments.
Good morning Rico and everyone.
I really do not have a problem with any of the keepers currently, I’m just glad we have very good options.
Let me put you on the spot @Rico, if you were to pick between Raya and Ramsdale who would you choose?
Hi Mexy.
Tough one, probably Ramsdale.
Oh wow, I think I will go for Raya, he is more comfortable with the ball and his distribution is better..
They are both lovely goalkeepers though, wonderful problem to have in our team😄
I’m with Rico. Ramsdale. My me too moment!
I think Ramsdale’s one weakness is in dealing with crosses into the box, for that reason I prefer Raya.
That said, I thought he was poor in the first half against City and looks rattled at times.
Is the international window over yet? Dull Dull Dull. Just like Southgate’s tactics.
I reckon a few of the big errors Ramsdale committed at the end of last season convinced Arteta that he needed an alternative. At the very least competition.
For the meantime the Arsenal fans that don’t have anything to moan about can go after Raya or Havertz. All a bit Dad’s Army for me. ‘They don’t like it up ’em, Mr Mainwaring!’
Mexy, I’m surprised you’re surprised. Lol
Ramsdale was brilliant last season I think but like team in general, when injuries hit, performances suffered. Raya has the luxury of having our best back four in front of him, Ramsdale hadn’t this season.
Pete, I’m amazed Southgate has kept his job as long as he has. Dreadful England team imo
Ha ha Wavy
I think Arsenal should have two reliable goalkeepers to prevent any injuries or suspensions. A reliable goalkeeper is a guarantee for the entire team. There has never been a team in history that did not have a reliable goalkeeper. The same is no longer true, for example, Brazil in the 82 World Cup.
We now have two Jm.
Morning Rico and all,
I believe both keepers on their day are good but not world beaters, but both can look a bit shaky at times. extremely hard to pick between them but if forced I would say Ray only due to set piece from the corner.
Morning Geoff, I think the same could be said for many if not most goalkeepers. Even the City and Liverpool keepers have their off days. Trouble is, a keeper error can lead to a goal so it’s more noticeable.
New post up